There are two kinds of people: those who enjoy soaking in their own and others’ grime in hot tubs, and those who don’t. I love a hot shower, but baths – chlorinated or bubbled or otherwise – just aren’t my thing. But give me a hike, a set of hand-scrawled instructions, and an outdoor puddle […]
Hot Spring Hopping Around Idaho and Oregon Read More »
For years, friends have been telling us, “You should go to Nelson for your next vacation!” and “You would LOVE Nelson! It’s so like you guys.” Instead, my husband Young and I visited Missoula (easier), Portland (foodier) and Seattle (for friends, family and work) and a lot of other places in between. But when the
Kaslo, B.C. and Kootenay Lake Paddling Read More »
Have you ever noticed the crowds at the local beaches? The noise of Jet Skis; whining, crying and yelling kids; and the endless boat traffic? Well, I have a story about the most spectacular lake, and an adventure that is sure to please if you’re looking to get away from all that. The lake is
Escaping the Lake Crowds at Leigh Lake Read More »
A sprawling complex of beautiful, historic buildings and surprisingly bustling streets nestled into the steep mountain hillsides of north Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains, Wallace Idaho is a momentary neck-craning distraction for most Interstate 90 travelers driving through the Silver Valley. Too bad for them, since this authentic, resilient community has successfully tapped a gold mine balance
Exploring Wallace, Idaho’s Mining Heritage Read More »
When I found a shriveled up piece of last year’s fruit in my backcountry ski pack that had petrified and attached itself to my climbing skins, I could have taken that sign as a bad omen for the ski season ahead. That early December night, the snow we had been counting on turned to rain
Winter Adventure is All Around Us Read More »
Fernie became my new favorite word for several weeks this summer. I really couldn’t stop talking about it, to the eventual annoyance of my wife who had to endure the brunt of my endless ranting and raving. I had always thought Fernie was too far away, but the real barrier was the fact that I
Fernie, BC – Adventure in the Canadian Rockies is Closer Than You Think Read More »
Begin this hike just off the pavement at the rustic Thirteen Mile campground at the southern edge of the Colville National Forest. There’s no chance for a warm-up on this one, as the trail wastes no time in ascending a rocky gorge along a tumbling creek. Watch for seasonal waterfalls on the surrounding cliffs, and
Hike of The Month: Thirteen Mile Trail #23 (Kettle River Range, Wash.) Read More »
Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge Craig Romano The Mountaineers Books, 2011, 288 pages I am writing this book review as I travel by train through the Columbia River Gorge. Every time I visit this area I am reminded of its other worldly beauty. In addition to providing the detailed information you need to enjoy all
Outdoor experiences make life worth living, and our area is rich with lakes and mountains to enjoy. While the challenges or the motivations vary, there is no shortage of inspirational landscapes to appreciate. Whether you’re a biker, hiker or paddler, you probably bring along your camera to document your outings. Outdoor photography connects people in
BONNER AND BOUNDARY COUNTY ATLAS Northwest Map Service 2010 edition, 152 pages. $24.95. A map person: I buy maps to plan and speculate, muse and daydream. You know what I’m talking about—that obsessive wonder that comes when you look at those squiggly lines and imagine slopes and steepness, the dense underbrush of a gulley, the
